Do you suffer from allergies?
If so, you know how difficult it can be to find a pet that doesn’t trigger your symptoms. Many people believe that all dogs are allergic-inducing, but this isn’t true! Many hypoallergenic dog breeds are perfect for allergy sufferers.
We’ll also provide tips on how to care for these breeds and keep your home free of allergens.
What causes an Allergic Reaction to Dogs?
Many people are allergic to the family pet and cat allergies are about twice as frequent as allergies to dogs.
Most people think that allergies are caused by dog hair but in reality it is the dog dander allergens that cause our allergic reactions. Dander allergens are really dead skin cells that are also present in dog’s saliva and the dog’s coat when they lick their fur. Allergic reactions result when minute particles of dander fool our immune systems into thinking that the dander is an invading antibody.
Our immune system releases histamines to fight the “dander” antibody which results in the familiar sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itching eyes etc. The first exposure to an allergen doesn’t usually trigger symptoms and it takes multiple exposures over a period of weeks or months to produce full blown reactions.
How to Reduce Dog Allergens in Your Home
If your allergies aren’t too severe then they may be adequately controlled by prescription or non-prescription antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops. You should speak to your doctor about other medications that may be available.
Don’t use feather pillows or down comforters and wash your bedding with an anti-allergy detergent at least once a week. If possible get rid of your carpets and replace with washable flooring. If you are stuck with wall to wall carpets, then have them steam cleaned at least 3 times per year and shampoo rugs and upholstery with a special rug shampoo formulated to get rid of allergens. Also if possible replace drapes and curtains with washable vertical blinds.
Install air cleaners and filters capable of removing dander allergens from the air. Also open windows and doors on windy days to let fresh air circulate through your house. Replace your vacuum cleaner with one that has a high allergen containment rating. Also restrict your dog’s access to certain rooms and furniture. Never let your dog into your bedroom and never let him sleep on your living room furniture.
The next step is to minimize the dander on your dog through regular bathing and careful grooming. If you use cool water and special moisturizing pet allergy shampoo that won’t dry out the skin and coat, then you can wash your dog several times per week.
Frequent combing and brushing will stimulate the skin and reduce dander. If possible, get someone else to bathe your dog. If it isn’t possible then wear gloves and a mask to reduce your exposure to dander allergens. You should also add fatty acid supplements to your dog’s diet through supplements to ensure your dog maintains a healthy skin. Try spraying your dog’s coat with anti-allergy sprays to eliminate dander allergens.
List of Hypoallergenic Dogs
Low shedding, non shedding or so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce some dander. So there is not a completely allergy-free dog breed, however these purebred dogs are worth considering as they produce less dander.
Airedale
The Airedale Terrier is a neat and upright, medium-sized dog with very long legs. It has a shaggy and wiry, short-haired double coat and drop-ears that bend forward.
An Airedale Terrier is an extrovert dog that when trained and properly socialized will be child friendly and could adapt to family life. Airedale puppies are playful and look just like big Black and Tan Yorkshire Terrier puppies.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a sturdy toy dog with a rough shaggy coat and hairy face. The Affen’s body is almost square being a little longer than its height. It has a short back that slopes down slightly to a high-set tail.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy dog that is perfect for allergy sufferers. This breed doesn’t shed very much, making it a good choice for people with allergies. The Bichon Frise is also known for being friendly and playful, making it the perfect companion pet.
Bedlington Terrier
While the origin of the breed is somewhat obscure, it is thought to have been developed in 18th century Northumberland England for hunting rats and badgers. In the early 19th century, breeders in the Northumberland town of Bedlington incorporated some Whippet bloodlines to increase its speed for racing.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large, powerful dog that is also known as the Belgian Cattle Dog. This rough-coated dog is one of the herding dog breeds and as a result it needs lots of space and exercise. The Bouvier has a large and heavily coated head with distinctive moustache, beard and shaggy eyebrows.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the smallest of the working terrier dog breeds. This hardy and active little terrier has short legs and a strong compact body. The Cairn’s outer coat is thick, harsh and weather resistant and the undercoat is short, soft and furry.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest and most popular dog breeds out there. Perfect for fitting in your handbag and with low care needs, this little dog is a great pet for those with limited space or for first time dog owners. However, don’t let the Chihuahua’s tiny size fool you — these dogs have a big personality!
Named after the Mexican state, the Chihuahua is the dog that will keep you on your toes.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a lively and graceful member of the toy dog breeds. There are two varieties of Chinese Crested – The Hairless and the Powder Puff. The Hairless Chinese Crested has a fine grained smooth skin that seems warm to the touch. These Chinese Hairless have a crest of hair on their heads.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three Schnauzer dog breeds – Giant, Standard, and Miniature. The Schnauzer name is derived from the German word “schnauze” which means muzzle. The Schnauzer’s muzzle is decorated with a moustache and beard. The Giant has a rough and wiry outer coat with a dense undercoat.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is one of the quietest and most pleasant of all the toy dog breeds. This slim and fragile looking breed is quite fast and still capable of hunting small game. The elegant toy Greyhound has a chiseled and almost ‘statuesque’ looking body. The Italian’s coat is fine and very short and the color can be fawn, blue, black and red with some white on the chest and feet. Italian Greyhounds stand from 13 to 15 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh approximately 8 to 12 pounds.
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the most intelligent and most gentle of all the toy dog breeds. This lively and agile little toy dog loves to play games. Maltese are small in stature and usually stand 8 to 9 inches tall at shoulder height and weighs from 4 to 7 pounds.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a little larger than the toy dog breeds and is actually classified as a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer. This down-sized miniature breed has a similar look to its larger schnauzer cousins and the same grooming requirements.
Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a small earth dog with a high energy level and a big attitude. It’s a pretty fearless working Terrier when it comes to catching vermin or chasing off foxes. It looks like the Norwich Terrier dog, but with drop-ears instead of having upright prick-ears, a scruffy, wiry coat, and loving dark eyes.
This dog breed has been referred to by many different names over the years and confused with other Terrier breeds.
Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier and the Norfolk Terrier are closely related and in fact were once classified as two varieties of the same breed. After 1964 the erect or prick-eared variety was classified (in England) as the Norwich Terrier and the folded or drop-eared variety was called the Norfolk Terrier.
Poodle
The Poodle or standard Poodle is a large dog that is one of the smartest of all dog breeds. Poodles have an elegant and well-proportioned body. The chest is deep and reaches to the elbows and the back is straight and fairly short.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or Wheaten is a medium-sized working dog. The Wheaten has a square and compact body, level back, deep chest and straight muscular legs.
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier or TT is a sturdy small- to medium-sized dog with a profuse coat. Tibetan Terriers have a square and powerful build with a fall of hair that covers their dark brown eyes. Although you may not see their eyes, the TT’s have long eyelashes that keep the hair away from their eyes and have very good eyesight.
TT’s have a well-feathered tail that curls up and falls to one side over the back. The heavily feathered pendant ears hang beside the head. TT’s have a double coat with a long and luxuriant outer coat that can be wavy or straight and a dense and woolly undercoat. The TT’s feet are large, flat and round and act like snowshoes to provide traction in the snow.
Any color combination is acceptable but the most common are gold, white, black, silver, red and cream with or without white or tan markings. TT’s are about 14 to 17 inches tall at shoulder height and weigh from 18 to 30 pounds.
Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier or Welshie is a small, square dog breed that looks like a miniature Airedale Terrier. The Welshie has a short straight back with a tail that is docked in countries where permitted. The legs are straight with small, round cat’s feet.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli dog breed, pronounced “show-low-eats-queent-lee” (but often shortened to Xolo “show-low”), is a rare breed that originates from Mexico and Central America. The Xoloitzcuintli may not attract as many people appearance-wise as a fluffy pup such as a Poodle or Golden Retriever does, but this hairless dog has a calm personality and moderate exercise needs, making them an excellent companion to many. The Xoloitzcuintli is an affectionate dog that is devoted to their family members and believes it is their duty to protect them.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a rugged dog that comes in a portable size. The Yorkie is a toy dog breed, with a height about 7 to 9 inches and weighs from 5 to 7 pounds. This terrier is well proportioned and very compact.
Poodle Mix Breeds
The poodle is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog and many of the popular designer poodle mix dog breeds have inherited this trait.
Below are some poodle mix breed dogs:
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog that is popular among allergy sufferers. This breed is known for being friendly and non-shedding, making it a good choice for people with allergies. The Labradoodle is also very intelligent and easy to train, making it a great pet for families.
Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a crossbreed dog that is also popular among allergy sufferers. This breed is known for being friendly and non-shedding, making it a good choice for people with allergies. The Cockapoo is also very intelligent and easy to train.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. A cross breed of two of the most popular dogs in the United States, it’s no wonder the Goldendoodle is one of the most sought-after mixes, right next to their siblings the Labradoodle and the Maltipoo.
While their crossbreed origin means that it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact characteristics of a Goldendoodle, this teddy bear pup is known for being an excellent family dog as well as being incredibly smart.
Aussiedoodle
The Aussiedoodle, sometimes known as the Aussiepoo, is a relatively new hybrid breed and is the result of crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Poodle. Lesser known than other Poodle mixes such as the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle, the Aussiedoodle makes an excellent family dog that is very affectionate and gets on with everyone — humans and animals alike! This loving pup makes the perfect companion.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo, often known as the Cavoodle or Cavadoodle, is the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They were bred to be a companion dog and perfect for those with allergies because of their low shedding coat. This crossbreed is known for being friendly and sociable, making them excellent family pets.
The popularity of the Cavapoo has soared recently and this is all down to their sweet nature. Gentle and cute, this the perfect dog to have in the home with children. They will happily curl up next to you on the couch, but they will also happily spend time running and playing! They’re also very intelligent, making them highly trainable.